Organic farms may be more complex to manage, but should be less dependent on the use of external inputs. Synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides and herbicides are not allowed and can be harmful to biologically active healthy soil. Markets for 'in conversion' status fruit may require careful assessment as premiums may be lower than for full.
Successful conversion to organic management can be difficult to achieve with old and diseased trees. Plant layout, tree structure/vibration system – The best layout and pruning system may vary to suit regional conditions. Buffer zones between conventional and organic areas can be used to protect against contamination.
A well-designed business plan should pay special attention to the conversion phase – the first three years of transition from conventional to organic management – when the premium markets for ‘in-conversion’ products can be uncertain and while field experience is being gained. While the amounts of nutrients applied may be lower than in a conventional system, the total cost of fertilizer may be comparable. Once established, the deep-rooted stolon habit of these robust plants makes them difficult to control, and their competitive impact on tree performance can be significant under an organic system.
Orchard soil cover management requires periodic mowing and mulching, and these events can be designed and timed to optimize the impact on target weeds. It can be important to balance soil minerals to prevent sheep from eating the bark. Hand thinning is an expensive and labour-intensive process – in some cases the cost can exceed the cost of picking.
All of the principles of IPM can be applied to a biological system, with the main variation being that some substances used for specific pest or disease control may need to be changed. Tree health and age – Successful conversion to organic management can be difficult to achieve with old and diseased trees. Applicable from green tip to fruit set and fruit development without phytotoxic effect or fruit formation.
Most experienced organic producers report that the longer their organic system runs, the less they have to do - the systems tend to their own equilibrium. Years two and three are conversion years in which a well-functioning organic system has been established and the product can be sold with the label 'in conversion' to organic. After three years (year four) full organic status is possible and the product can be sold with the label 'organic' certified.
Checking with other experienced organic growers can be helpful in confirming the value of a product.
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A grower who intends to establish a serious commercial production of organic apples should obtain an organic certificate to verify that the product is truly organically grown according to reputable organic standards. This section generally describes the requirements and process for obtaining organic or biodynamic certification in Australia. It is internationally accepted that the credibility of the claims on the labels of organic products must be supported by a product and producer certificate.
The reputation and visibility of the organic certification system is often very important for importing countries. Australia has a well-regulated system of organic and biodynamic production and processing that has gained a great international reputation. The 'National Standards for Organic and Biodynamic Produce', administered by AQIS, form the minimum mandatory requirements for the export of products labeled as organic or biodynamic.
These standards are implemented by independent accredited certification organizations, AQIS, which conduct audits of the entire farming system and provide a comprehensive record-keeping system that allows tracking and verification of inputs used, management practices, yield and sales. Organic standards can also be applied to processing and distribution, as shown in Figure 1, to ensure the integrity of a certified organic product throughout the supply chain. Adapted from: Comparison of the Australian National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce with key international organic standards and regulatory texts.
OR ORGANIC SUPPL GANIC SUPPL GANIC SUPPL GANIC SUPPL GANIC SUPPLY CHAIN Y CHAIN Y CHAIN Y CHAIN Y CHAIN
Most reputable retail outlets require independent organic certification from one of the AQIS accredited certification organizations for produce labeled as organically grown. Copies of national standards are available through certification organisations, Australian government libraries and the AQIS website (www.aqis.gov.au). In practice, organic certification considers the entire farming system and usually requires a farm management plan, farm map and record keeping system.
Where growers intend to add value or process raw produce, compliance with organic processing standards is required to maintain the organic certification of the final processed product. Certification of all production, processing, handling, transport, storage and sale of organic products depends on accurate, up-to-date data from the company involved - to allow control of the products and processes. A system certified as organic 'in conversion' should normally transition to fully 'organic' after a minimum of three years of verified compliance with the standards.
This may include canceling certification or reverting to an earlier stage toward full organic certification. Producers must demonstrate an understanding of organic farming principles and knowledge of practices and inputs allowed and prohibited under the certifier's organic standards. When changes in the farming system have begun, an application for organic certification can be submitted.
Information to be provided includes land use history, rotations, inputs used, details of farming practices and a map of the property and surrounding land use. The purpose of this inspection is to verify the details of the farming system as described in the questionnaire and to ensure that the producer has a good understanding of organic principles and methods. This report, along with other relevant documents, is considered by the certifier to determine the appropriate level of organic certification.
Acceptance of the contract and payment of fees allows the manufacturer to market and label the relevant product as certified "in conversion" or. Organic certification contracts are generally subject to an annual site inspection and review of farm records. Some properties may also be subject to inspection by AQIS representatives as part of the regulation of certification bodies.
After application, uptake of such products by livestock is not part of the animal's diet. Dr. Rudolf Steiner – was the initiator of the concepts that form the basis of biodynamic agriculture.
